Ontario renters on the move – what property managers can do

In 2024, 50.7% of cross-border U-Haul traffic in Ontario was outbound, and over the past four years, more than 100,000 more people have moved out of the province than in.

Where are they going? One-third to Alberta, another third to the Atlantic provinces, and the rest scattered across Canada. Some of these movers are retirees looking to downsize, while many are young professionals in their 20s and 30s seeking more affordable homes.

For property managers, this exodus raises an important question: how do you keep your units occupied when renters are looking elsewhere?

Make your rentals more appealing

Many of the Ontarians leaving are looking for more affordable housing, but lowering rent isn’t the only way for landlords and property managers to stay competitive. Instead, focus on offering better value and tailoring rentals to evolving tenant needs.

• Rent single-family properties by bedroom to attract roommates

• Make your unit stand out with lease incentives like a temporary rent discount

• Emphasize modern amenities like online rent payments and smart home technology in listings

• Consider expanding your business to a growing province to help offset potential vacancies in Ontario

Despite the outbound trend, 16 of Canada’s 25 fastest-growing cities are in Ontario. But there’s a twist – they aren’t major urban centers. “All the top destinations in Ontario are smaller cities, and most are considered four-season recreational areas,” says Jake Spelic, U-Haul Area District Vice President.

This means there’s still opportunity in Ontario – property managers just need to know where to find it.

‍More renter behavior headlines

‍Desperate for work, where will recent college grads move to? – PayProp blog

‍These Ottawa landlords say they've fallen victim to the same 'professional' tenants – CBC

‍These towns are popular for solo renters of a certain age in Ontario – INsauga